Concrete Repair & Replacement

Not every crack or surface problem means you need to tear out and replace your concrete. Many issues can be repaired effectively, saving you money while extending the life of your existing surfaces. The key is knowing when repair makes sense and when replacement is the better investment. At STC St George Concrete, we give you honest assessments and explain your options so you can make the right decision for your situation.

Small cracks, minor surface damage, and isolated problem areas often respond well to repair techniques. If the underlying base is solid and most of the concrete is in good condition, targeted repairs can restore function and appearance at a fraction of replacement cost. We use professional repair materials and methods that bond permanently to existing concrete and hold up to normal use.

However, replacement makes more sense when concrete has extensive cracking, significant settling or heaving, widespread surface deterioration, or structural problems affecting the entire slab. Trying to repair concrete that is fundamentally compromised usually just delays the inevitable and wastes money. We will inspect your concrete carefully, explain what we find, and recommend the most practical and cost-effective solution.

Signs Your Concrete Needs Attention

• Cracks wider than a quarter inch or growing over time
• Uneven surfaces creating trip hazards or drainage problems
• Spalling where the surface is flaking or breaking away
• Settlement causing sections to sink below adjacent areas
• Widespread cracking in multiple directions across the surface
• Exposed reinforcement showing rust or corrosion
• Water pooling or improper drainage causing ongoing damage
• Structural cracks affecting load-bearing capacity

Crack Repair and Sealing

Crack repair depends on the size and type of crack. Narrow cracks get filled with specialized concrete crack sealers or epoxy that bonds to both sides and prevents water infiltration. Wider cracks may need routing out to create a clean channel, then filling with repair mortar or epoxy. For cracks caused by ongoing movement, we use flexible sealants that accommodate slight expansion and contraction without failing.

The goal is to seal out moisture that can worsen damage through freeze-thaw cycles and undermining of the base. Proper crack repair also restores a smooth surface and prevents the crack from spreading. Not all cracks need repair, but addressing problematic ones early prevents them from becoming bigger problems that require more extensive work.

Surface Restoration and Resurfacing

When concrete surfaces become rough, pitted, or stained but the underlying slab remains sound, resurfacing offers a cost-effective solution. We apply a thin overlay of specialized concrete or polymer-modified material that bonds to the existing surface and creates a fresh, smooth finish. This technique works well for driveways, patios, and walkways showing surface wear.

Resurfacing can also include decorative options like color or texture to update the appearance while fixing surface problems. The process involves cleaning and preparing the existing concrete, applying bonding agents, then placing and finishing the overlay material. When done properly, a resurfaced slab looks like new and provides years of additional service.

Structural Repairs

Structural repairs address problems affecting the concrete's ability to carry loads safely. This might include removing and replacing damaged sections, adding reinforcement, underpinning to stabilize settled areas, or injecting materials to fill voids beneath the slab. These repairs require careful planning and execution to ensure the concrete regains its structural integrity.

We evaluate structural issues thoroughly before recommending repairs. Sometimes spot repairs work fine, but other situations need more comprehensive solutions. We explain what needs to be done and why, so you understand what you are paying for and can feel confident the work will solve your problem.

When replacement is the right choice, we handle the entire process from removing old concrete to finishing your new surface. Removal involves breaking up the existing concrete, hauling away debris, and preparing the site for new installation. We take care to protect surrounding areas and landscaping during demolition and removal.

After removal, we address any issues that contributed to the original concrete's failure. This might mean improving drainage, stabilizing soil, adding more base material, or adjusting grades. Taking time to fix underlying problems ensures your new concrete performs better and lasts longer than what it replaces.

Then we install new concrete using the same quality methods and materials we bring to any concrete project. Proper base preparation, correct concrete mix, adequate reinforcement, and professional finishing techniques give you a surface built to last. Many customers also upgrade to decorative finishes or improved layouts when replacing failed concrete, taking advantage of the opportunity to enhance both function and appearance.

Replacement costs more upfront than repair, but when the old concrete is beyond practical repair, replacement gives you decades of reliable service instead of ongoing problems and repeated repair attempts. We provide clear estimates comparing repair and replacement options when both are viable, so you can make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.